Mercedes-Benz gave the SLK230 a complete overhaul in the 2001 model year, the fourth year of production which was named to Car and Driver's top ten list for its 1998 model year offering...
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Mercedes-Benz gave the SLK230 a complete overhaul in the 2001 model year, the fourth year of production which was named to Car and Driver's top ten list for its 1998 model year offering. Toying with success seemed to pay off for the German automaker, as drivers were generally pleased with the first major redesign of the two-seat sports coupe.

In 2001 the SLK230, with its supercharged 2.3-liter 190-horsepower four-cylinder engine, became the SLK series' base model. The car's five-speed manual transmission was replaced by a six speed gear box, and a five speed automatic was available as an option.

The car was sleeker than the previous versions of the SLK230, which were relatively tall and "looked stubby." A "much more aggressive" front spoiler and grille design and a smoothed-out profile were the biggest visual changes to the vehicle.